Does Your Home Have Termites? What Can You Do?

Termites are more than a nuisance; they can cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Extend the life of your home and save yourself thousands in repairs by nipping this problem in the bud. No matter what the outside of your home is made of, termites can get in and eat their way through anything made out of wood. This can include floors, walls, ceilings, support beams, and even furniture.

Image result for Does Your Home Have Termites? What Can You Do?

Signs You May Have Termites

  • mud tunnels and tubes
  • tiny holes on wooden surfaces
  • winged insects that resemble ants hanging around deadwood in the yard
  • fallen wings, especially around windowsills and doorways
  • your nearby neighbors are being fumigated for termites

Termite infestation can go on for many years before it’s caught. Some signs of long-term infestation include:

  • warped window frames and sills
  • uneven flooring
  • walls that seem to bulge out
  • doors that don’t open smoothly
  • noises coming from inside your walls

Because termites are so hard to spot, it’s recommended that you have an annual inspection by a Santa Cruz termite exterminator. These professionals have the training and experience to spot a problem early. Exterminators can save you an expensive repair down the line by getting rid of these pests.

During the inspection, the exterminator will do a thorough search inside and outside your home and through your yard. If they find signs of termites, they’ll explain what they think the best solution is. It may involve spot treatment or, for a major infestation, fumigating your entire home.

What Happens During a Fumigation

Fumigation may seem like a major undertaking, but it can often be finished quickly. First, the exterminator will cover your entire home in a vinyl tent. This tent keeps the chemicals from escaping and concentrates them, making them even more effective and fast-acting. The fumigation itself may take between 24 and 72 hours, depending on several factors. These include the size of your home, what the outdoor temperatures are, the chemicals used, and the degree of infestation. Finally, the exterminator will remove the tent and air out your house. They will check that the problem has been solved and test air safety levels before giving you the ‘all clear’ to come home.

Other Treatments for Termite Control

In addition to fumigation, other treatments can include ‘termite baits’ installed in the soil around your house and ‘bait stations’ attached to your home on the outside walls. These can deal with low-level problems and are often used after fumigation to ensure that the job is finished. Finally, raw and exposed wood may be treated with a termite-toxic liquid to keep the infestation from returning.